Mahwah police found a brick of heroin after stopping two residents.File photo

MAHWAH — Police on Monday defended drug charges filed against David Peluso, 27, and his mother, Shari Grogan, 52, the Record reported.

Peluso, of Mahwah, said his mother didn't know about the brick of heroin stashed in their white Ford Fusion before police stopped them Friday evening. He said he had the heroin because he's been a drug addict for nine years.

Mahwah Police Chief James N. Batelli said the heroin was found in Grogan's purse and that she admitted to using heroin in an interview with a police officer.

Grogan told the Record Monday that the heroin was in her purse, but that Peluso put it there without her knowledge. She declined comment on whether she told police she used heroin.